Klein Plating turned in their FFL and all records years ago to the Feds. Don't think they no longer plate firearms. Not politically correct these days. But about 3 years ago I contacted Sig USA about 2 of my Sigs to confirm if they were factory nickel. I received a hand written note on their letterhead that said both left the factory blue. But wait-all German Sigs left the factory blue that were plated by Klien in the USA. So there we have what is called a conondrum. Also many Sig owners had their Sigs plated by Klien after purchase so what would be the difference? Same as a so-called factory nickel. That being said is their really such a thing as Sig factory nickel as in that time frame the factory did not nickel plate their guns. Here is a thought while we are on the subject. One can have a rubber stamp made up for about 10 dollars that can spell anything if you get my drift. Also the OP's 228 looks just like mine. Factory Nickel? If it looks righteous then it must be. Enjoy. One last comment-I think the OP's 228 is worth at least 1000 to 1500 dollars. JM2CW

Originally posted by black1970:Klein Plating turned in their FFL and all records years ago to the Feds. Don't think they no longer plate firearms. Not politically correct these days. But about 3 years ago I contacted Sig USA about 2 of my Sigs to confirm if they were factory nickel. I received a hand written note on their letterhead that said both left the factory blue. But wait-all German Sigs left the factory blue that were plated by Klien in the USA. So there we have what is called a conondrum. Also many Sig owners had their Sigs plated by Klien after purchase so what would be the difference? Same as a so-called factory nickel. That being said is their really such a thing as Sig factory nickel as in that time frame the factory did not nickel plate their guns. Here is a thought while we are on the subject. One can have a rubber stamp made up for about 10 dollars that can spell anything if you get my drift. Also the OP's 228 looks just like mine. Factory Nickel? If it looks righteous then it must be. Enjoy. One last comment-I think the OP's 228 is worth at least 1000 to 1500 dollars. JM2CW

There is no conundrum. SIG didn't, and still doesn't, do any nickel plating in house. They contracted with a finisher/refinisher du jour to do the job. -If the written letter said the gun was blued, then it originally went on the market as factory blued, i.e., not factory Ni. -For those guns that SIG had someone (like Klein) Ni plated, and subsequently released on the market, then they were officially factory release Ni guns. So, if you have such a gun that needs verification because you have no original labeled box, SIG will do so in writing. That is, if they choose to do so, or if you have some insider contact who has access to the old database.

For those who sent their blued guns in for Ni plating by Klein at the time, the guns are still originally factory blued. Yes, they look great and identical to the factory Ni guns, but they are still originally blued. I know this matters little to most folks, but it is an important point to the collector.

Making your own "NICKEL" rubber stamp? Why? What's the point? Either you will be trying to deceive folks, or you just try to make yourself feel good about your gun?

12131-didn't say that I was going to fool folks, just said it could be done and what's more I'm sure it has. However I have gleaned much info about Sigs from your posts and replies. I suspect that you are the most knowledgable member here on the subject. Please forgive me on my incorrect post. I'm just an old country boy down in West TN trying to learn and do the best I can. By the way-I am NOT black-my 1970 Chevelle is.

Originally posted by black1970:12131-didn't say that I was going to fool folks, just said it could be done and what's more I'm sure it has. However I have gleaned much info about Sigs from your posts and replies. I suspect that you are the most knowledgable member here on the subject. Please forgive me on my incorrect post. I'm just an old country boy down in West TN trying to learn and do the best I can. By the way-I am NOT black-my 1970 Chevelle is.

SSG Ret.TN & TX ARNG66-06SCV

Oh no, I didn't mean to refer to you, in that statement. Just a general statement about folks who would make a "NICKEL" rubber stamp for a unverified Ni SIG. Sorry for the misunderstanding. Anyway, the more I learn, the more I realize I don't know much of anything. So, I learn more.

You have a Nickel, love it and be happy - don't turn them into the poor S&W revolvers that are only handled with white gloves and never see daylight.

Years ago a member posted his 2 P220 Nickels. One from the "factory" (ie SIG sent it Klein, who sent it back, then sold it) and one he purchased as blued, experience finish issues, then sent it to Klein, who refinished it and sent to back.

Zero difference, other than someones rubber stamp on a box, which some will pay for. Assuming the SIG employee remember to stamp / write in / whatever on the box.

Originally posted by RHINOWSO:You have a Nickel, love it and be happy - don't turn them into the poor S&W revolvers that are only handled with white gloves and never see daylight.

Years ago a member posted his 2 P220 Nickels. One from the "factory" (ie SIG sent it Klein, who sent it back, then sold it) and one he purchased as blued, experience finish issues, then sent it to Klein, who refinished it and sent to back.

Zero difference, other than someones rubber stamp on a box, which some will pay for. Assuming the SIG employee remember to stamp / write in / whatever on the box.